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Beyond the Byline: Oval-spiced ham on a snowy day

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Our view: Here’s hoping Wilkes-Barre triathlon makes a return in ‘18

ASHLEY: Centenary United Methodist Church, Saturday evening worship service, 4 p.m., 26 N. Main St.AVOCA: Queen of the Apostles Parish, parish hall, 742 Spring St., Night at the Races, 6 p.m., Feb. 18. Doors open 5 p.m. Admission, $5 per person, includes food and beverages. Horse sponsorship, $10 each. Winning horse sponsor wins $50. Registration forms available in the church vestibule or parish office. Horse sponsorship in event program, return forms to parish office by Feb. 10. Food and baked goods donations welcome. Contact the parish office, 570-457-3412, orstaff@queenoftheapostles.com.DALLAS: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 105 Irem Road, will hold Imposition of Ashes 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at the traditional ash Wednesday service 7 p.m. March 1. Open to the public.KINGSTON: Church of Christ Uniting, 776 Market St., will host a New England Contra dance 7 p.m. March 4 featuring music by &#8216;Strings on Wings,&#8217; along with calling by Ted Crane. No partner or previous experience is necessary. Pay what you wish for admission. Information: folkloresociety.org/dancing, 570-333-4007.LUZERNE: Holy Family Parish, 574 Bennett St, will hold a Mardi Gras dinner/dance, 7 to 11 p.m., Feb. 25. Call for tickets and info, 570-287-6600.LUZERNE: Luzerne United Methodist Church will hold its annual Ethnic Sampling 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at the church, 446 Bennett St. Tickets are $9; children, $3. Call the church at 570-287-6231. Tickets will be available at the door.PLYMOUTH: Mardi Gras Party, 6-8 p.m. Feb. 25, the Plymouth Christian Church, 9 Main St. Light refreshments and music, no alcohol allowed. Call 570-779-1614 for tickets, or purchase them at the door.SCRANTON: The Diocese of Scranton will observe the 25th World Day of the Sick with Bishop Joseph C. Bambera celebrating Mass for the sick at 12:10 p.m. Feb. 11 at Cathedral of Saint Peter.

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